Tuesday, February 4, 2014

World News Briefs -- February 4, 2014



Russia Says Syria Will Resume Peace Talks, Hosts Opposition Leader -- Voice of America

Syrian activist groups say the government renewed air raids over the northern city of Aleppo on Tuesday, after Monday airstrikes left about 30 people dead.

The anti-government Aleppo Media Center says a building with children inside is among facilities that have been hit by explosive devices described as barrel bombs. Opposition groups say several people have been killed.

There was no immediate confirmation from the Syrian government.

However, in recent days, forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have been slowly advancing into rebel-held areas of Aleppo which were seized by the opposition in 2012.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Senators: Kerry admits policy failing in Syria.

Russia says Syria to ship chemical arms as civilians flee bombs. Syria 'to complete chemical weapon shipments by March'.

Russia: Syria will attend next Geneva talks.

Kurds from Iraq wage holy war in Syria with one eye on home.

Iranian executions spiking despite thaw with West, ‘moderate president’.

Yemen bus bomb targets military personnel.

E.U. Iran-Talks lead: Any breakthrough could push talks past six months.

Susan Rice blasts tweets at Israel for criticizing John Kerry.

ASIA

Report: Karzai in secret talks with Taliban.

India-Pakistan: Distressed Taliban now willing to negotiate. Pakistan-Taliban peace talks delayed. Pakistan: Taliban criticise peace talks delay.

Britain says it advised India on 1984 Golden Temple attack.

Thai opposition challenges polls in court.

Panel: Japan should lift ban on collective defense.

Smuggling, fraud cost Philippines $25.8 billion in 2011, study says.

China warns officials not to cover up corruption.

AFRICA

U.S. urges South Sudan to honor ceasefire, free political prisoners.

Millions at risk in the Sahel food crisis.

U.N. Congo peacekeepers question Rwandan rebel disarmament claim.

Seven militants, policeman killed in Tunisia raid: source.

PM: Libya Army has orders to end oil port blockades.

UN delegation meets with armed groups in Mali.

Landmark Rwanda genocide trial opens in Paris.

EUROPE

Ukraine opposition seeks to cut president's powers.

German foreign minister threatens sanctions against Ukraine.

Analysts: Army loyalties divided on Ukraine protests.

Greek leftist seeks negotiated debt write-off.

Is a new Tea Party brewing in France?

BP boss warns of 'uncertainties' due to Scottish vote.

US Ambassador McFaul to resign, leave Russia.

Secret plan to put remote kill switch in every European car revealed.

AMERICAS

Jack Lew: US could default on debt by 'end of month'.

Deficit to fall to $514 billion in 2014, U.S. budget agency says.

Costa Rica begins preparations for runoff after surprising election result.

Salvadoran leftist leads vote, but faces runoff. El Salvador presidential poll to go into run-off.

Argentina accuses Shell of conspiring against country after oil giant raises price of fuel.

Fear that a former Soviet republic inserted malicious code in Obamacare site.

Bolivia: 29 killed in torrential rains so far this year.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

No US drone strikes in Pakistan in January.

Pro-al Qaeda Saudi cleric calls on ISIS members to defect.

Al Qaeda disavowal of ISIS opens door to other jihadist groups.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Microsoft names Satya Nadella as CEO; Gates steps down as chairman.

Toyota expects record profits after yen boost.

Shares steadier as emerging market sell-off eases.

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